Introduction
How do you introduce a new feature in an existing app used by a billion users? How does a large group reach a concensus? All these questions crossed my mind during my first interview assignment. I had 8 hours to design a poll feature in Whatsapp, without reinventing the wheel.
Brief
Design a poll feature on Whatsapp where users can create and manage polls in groups. Consider as many possible poll features while sticking to Whatsapp design guidelines.
Time duration: 8 hrs | Deliverables: Medium fidelity mock ups
Approach and Insights
I wanted to experiment how difficult it is to get decisions taken on whatsapp. So I started a topic of a college reunion trip to Goa - in the biggest whatsapp group I am a part of.
I also started doing some secondary research to see how other popular platforms like Instagram and Facebook (which conveniently owns Whatsapp) handle polls.
Here are some learnings:
It is often difficult in whatsapp groups for members to reach a common conclusion. Also due to forwards and random posts, members tend to overlook important topics.
Users dont give their genuine opinions on other platforms like Instagram and facebook if their votes are not anonymous.
With regard to the nature of answers, Whatsapp group members often share images, links to highlight their choices or simply reply with 👍 or 👎 emojis. These are all contexual to the type of question asked.
In many scenarios, people would reply with multiple suggestions to a question. (Ex: Choice of hotel to stay in Goa)
Compiling results in large group is a nightmare.
There is also this sub group of dormant disinterested members who do not participate initially but add their own suggestions/opinions later - further delaying a conclusion.
Feature considerations
Based on the above learnings, I jotted down the different poll scenarios I need to consider while designing the feature:
Poll types
Simple Yes/No polls
Multiple options - Select one option vs select multiple options
Options that support text, images and links
When to show results (to avoid bias) - Real time v/s After the poll has ended
Poll visibility
Anonymous answers v/s Answers shown to all
Open to all v/s restricted to certain group members
Quick access to polls that are live in a group
Poll management
Customisable poll duration
Admin access to which members can edit/terminate polls
Comment access to group members
